Peoria Unified Sch�l District
Menus ‘N More December 2013
Peoria Uni�ied, one of Arizona’s largest uni�ied school districts, prides itself on a 94 percent high school graduation rate, excelling schools, award-winning teachers, high AIMS test scores, specialized signature programs and championship sports programs.
Every Studen SStudent , Every Day, Prepared to Shape Tomorrow
www.peoriaud.k12.az.us
U.S. Veterans Honored at Schools Across District Schools throughout the district celebrated members of our Armed Services during Veterans Day recognitions. Special tributes were planned and students and staff invited veterans to attend assemblies in their honor. Events featuring patriotic music, historical accounts of Veterans Day and inspirational stories of courage were held at: Copperwood, Coyote Hills,
Desert Harbor, Foothills, Frontier, Heritage, Lake Pleasant, Pioneer, Sundance, Vistancia and Zuni Hills elementary schools. Breakfast was served to veterans at some schools; Heritage Elementary held an annual luncheon and Lake Pleasant Elementary served up apple pie for the veterans. Each branch of the military was recognized during school Foothills Elementary kindergarteners Brooke Luger, Brandan Soza, Kadynce Rubio, Ashton Kowske, Natalie Salazar and Bryan Ibanez sing a patrio�c song during the Veterans Day assembly. assemblies: the Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines and the Coast Guard. During the assemblies, veterans were recognized and introduced individually. Vistancia Elementary set up a minimuseum of uniforms of U.S. service men and women in the library. Peoria High’s Air Force Junior Reserve Of�icers’ Training Corps (AFJROTC)
held a Changing of the Guard ceremony at an early morning school-wide assembly, attended a POW/ MIA ceremony at Montecito Retirement Home and joined veterans for dinner at the Glencroft Retirement Home. The Color Guard also performed a �lag ceremony at the City of Peoria Veterans Day Event at Rio Vista Park.
Career Development planning process, students within each grade level are offered age-appropriate career exploration opportunities: career awareness in kindergarten through sixthgrade; career exploration in seventh- through eighth-
grade; followed by career preparation for students in high school, leading to career management. The MyLife program was integrated into Peoria Uni�ied’s curriculum in 2005.
Enjoy holiday cookies and hot chocolate as district staff accept last minute tax credit contribu�ons from the public, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tues., Dec. 31 at the District Administra�on Center, 6330 W. Thunderbird Rd. Tax credit contribu�ons can also be made online with a debit or credit card at www.peoriaud.k12.az.us.
What are the Ariz. College and Career Ready Standards? An effort by most states (45 of 50) to establish more rigorous bench-marks in math and reading to replace the widely varying goals which now exist. How will it work? Ariz. College and Career Ready Standards indicate the reading and math skills chil-
dren should master, at each grade level, through their K12 experience, and prepares them for college or business careers. It does not dictate to teachers how to teach, only what the goals are for each grade level. Plus, the new standards will require students to think harder and critically evaluate more. Isn’t this another expensive Federal program?
The flag presenta�on at the Veterans Day assembly at Foothills Elementary was performed by the Cactus High JROTC Cadets Anthony Vaughn, Jonathan Clay, Mathew Weiss and Noah Best.
District Honored with Prestigious WESTMARC Award The Peoria Uni�ied School District was recently honored with the Quality of Life Enhancement Award for its’ MyLife Program during WESTMARC’s 21st Annual Best of the West awards ceremony. As part of the district’s
DRIVE-THRU TAX CREDIT DONATIONS ACCEPTED
Look for Menus ‘N More Newsletter Online or via Email
Peoria Uni�ied is doing its part saving dollars (and trees) by reducing the printing of the monthly Menus N’ More newsletter. Beginning January 2014, the publication can be read electronically, saving the district more than $18,000. The Public Relations Department will publish a digital newsletter highlighting students, staff and schools. Be sure your email address is up-to-date with your school of�ice as the online edition will be sent directly to your inbox via the district’s School Messenger system each month. You can always access the current month’s menu with the six-day rotation schedule anytime at www.peoriaud. k12.az.us.
Schools/District Office Winter Break Schedule All elementary and high schools will be closed Friday, Dec. 20 for winter recess and will resume Monday, Jan. 6, 2014. All district offices including Administration, Transportation, Warehouse, Maintenance, Food & Nutrition and IMT, will be closed Dec. 23-27 and Jan. 1. District offices will be open during regularly scheduled business hours Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 2-3.
Facts and Myths About Ariz. College and Career Ready Standards
Joe McCord Board Member
No. The Federal government, other than helping it get kick-started, had nothing to do with designing Ariz. College and Career Ready Standards. The standards were developed by governors and state school superintendents across the country. No input at all came from the Federal government. Doesn’t it take control
out of the hands of local school boards? No. Each school board will determine how the goals are reached, but each will do it in a way that board members and administrators feel is best for their district. When will it take effect? Arizona’s goal is to have all school districts on board by the 2014-15 school year.
Seven Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season 1. Stay active. Simple activities like taking a walk can lower stress. Take advantage of the nice weather and go on a family walk. 2. Watch portion size. Use a smaller plate to help you limit the amount you eat. 3. Overcome the urge to overeat. Wait a few minutes before you go back for seconds to see if you are really hungry. 4. Enjoy dessert – in moderation. You can enjoy dessert, but don’t be afraid to take a smaller slice. 5. Plan healthy snacks. With all the baked goods, candies and chocolates
D E C 2013
Breakfast: Elementary $1.50 High School $1.75 Includes fruit, juice choice of entree, white or chocolate milk Lunch: Elementary $2.50 High school $2.75 Includes choice of entree, fruit & vegetable bar, white, chocolate or strawberry milk Carton of milk, 35-cents *Uncrustables are not served at peanut-free schools. Subs�tu�ons will be made.
this season it is easy to grab sweets. Try a bowl of fresh fruit or vegetables, they are festive and make a healthy alternative. 6. Limit high calorie extras. It is easy to take in a lot of calories without even knowing it. Simply saying no to a dollop of whipped cream can cut 100 calories alone. 7. Make healthy substitutions. Whatever your holiday traditions are, healthy substitutions can be made. Try ground turkey instead of ground beef to lower fat content. Whenever possible try, using whole grain bread to increase �iber in your diet.
Monday
Students in classes throughout the district participated in a holiday card making project for the Peoria Sunset Lions Club Support the Troops campaign. More than 2,700 cards were collected from 123 classes and groups at 15
elementary schools. Those classes and groups include art, science and chorus/ music classes, Student Councils, National Junior Honor Society and a Girl Scout troop. The holiday cards were mailed to U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Winter Break Camp Options for Kids
Tuesday
CITY OF PEORIA- The AM/ PM program offers camp from 6 a.m.–6 p.m., Dec. 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31 and Jan. 2, 3 at Alta Loma and Coyote Hills elementary schools. The $24/day cost includes breakfast and two snacks. Visit www.peoriaaz. gov for more information or call 623-773-7137.
Wednesday
CITY OF GLENDALE- The Parks & Recreation department offers camp from 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Dec. 30, 31, Jan. 2, 3 at Sahuaro Ranch Elementary. Cost is $95/week if registered by Dec. 13, $110/week after. For more information, call 623-9302820, or visit www.glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation.
Thursday
Governing Board & Meetings Peoria Uni�ied Governing Board Meetings are typically held at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month with a few exceptions. Meetings are held at the District Administration Center, 6330 W. Thunderbird Road, unless otherwise posted. The public is welcome to attend. To verify the start time of a meeting, access an agenda, or view a meeting streaming live, visit peoriaud.k12.az.us. The public is welcome to contact board members by email: Hal Borhauer hborhauer@peoriaud.k12.az.us Matt Bullock mbullock@peoriaud.k12.az.us Kathy Knecht kknecht@peoriaud.k12.az.us Tracy Livingston tlivingston@peoriaud.k12.az.us Joe McCord joemccord@cox.net
Friday
Breakfast Burrito Cereal, Graham Crackers
Apple Frudel Cereal, String Cheese
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Tac-Go Cereal, Muf�in
Harvest Muf�in Cereal, Yogurt
Mini Blueberry Waf�les Cereal, Bug Bite Grahams
Sweet Southern Brunch Stuffed Bread S�ck w /Marinara Ham & Cheese Bagel Hash Browns Dried Fruit
Baked Scoops w/Beans & Cheese Chicken Nuggets Chef Salad w/Roll Broccoli Mixed Berries
Mini Cheeseburgers Fun Fish w/Roll Veggie Wrap Pork & Beans Watermelon
Chicken Nuggets w/Honey Mustard Yogurt Lunch Box w/Muffin Fiesta Mac Sweet Bell Peppers Grapes
Sicilian Pepperoni Pizza Hot Dog Egg Salad Sandwich Sliced Cucumbers Chilled Pineapple
2/4
Board Meeting 6 p.m.
3/5
4/6
MyLife Day. Early dismissal schedule is listed below.
5/1
6/2
Sausage Biscuit Cereal, Graham Crackers
French Toast Sticks Cereal, String Cheese
Oatmeal Bar Cereal, Muf�in
Egg & English Muf�in Cereal, Yogurt
Mini Maple Pancakes Cereal, Bug Bite Grahams
Bean Burrito Enchilada Style Hamburger Chicken Salad Sandwich Ranch Style Beans Chilled Pears
Chicken Nuggets Macaroni & Cheese An�pasto Salad w/Breads�ck Red Bell Peppers Banana
Pretzel Melt Beef Fingers w/Roll Veggie Sandwich Mixed Green Salad Mandarin Oranges
Baked Chicken w/Roll Roasted Turkey w/Roll Garden Salad w/Roll Scalloped Potatoes Grapes
Stuffed Crust Cheese Pizza Mini Corndogs Turkey Combo Sub Carrots Fruit Ice
10/4
9/3
11/5
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Flatbread Cereal, String Cheese
Mini Chocolate Chip French Toast Cereal, Muf�in
Manager’s Choice Cereal, Yogurt
Grilled Cheese Pepperoni Pizza Bites Spicy Popcorn Chicken Salad Celery S�cks Orange Slices
Manager’s Choice Chicken Nuggets Garden Salad w/Roll Broccoli Chilled Peaches
Manager’s Choice Meatball Sub Yogurt Lunch Box w/Bagel Corn Tropical Mixed Fruit
No lunch is served. Early Dismissal. Elementary schools that start at 8 a.m. will dismiss at 11 a.m.; elementary schools that start at 8:40 a.m. will dismiss at 11:40 a.m.; high schools will dismiss at 10:20 a.m. /5
16/2 Board Meeting 6 p.m. 17/3 Schools & offices are closed. 23 Schools & offices are closed. 24 WINTER RECESS
Schools closed, offices open.
WINTER RECESS
30 Schools closed, offices open. 31
Bagel w/Cheese Cereal, Graham Crackers
SEC Quesadilla Cereal, String Cheese
Chicken Nuggets Beef & Gravy w/Roll Breakfast Lunch Box Mashed Potatoes Banana
Cheese Crisp Chicken Pa�y Tuna Salad Sandwich Ranch Style Beans Chilled Pears
6/6
The National Automated Clearing House Association requires the following non-suf�icient funds disclaimer: if a child brings a check to school, the parent is giving authorization to electronically debit his/her account for the returned check plus fees if the check should be returned. For more information, contact CCM/Restaurant Fund, 1888-423-8974.
18/4 Schools & offices are closed. 25
7/1 Nondiscrimination Statement: The Peoria Uni�ied School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Declaración de Non Discriminación: El Peoria Uni�ied School District no discrimina a raza, color, nacionalidad, género, edad, o habilidad diferenciada.
Schools & offices are closed.
13/1
12/6
Cinnamon Waf�les Cereal, Graham Crackers
JANUARY Numbers to the right of calendar date indicate the 6-day rota�on schedule.
Students Help Brighten Holidays for Troops with Hand-made Cards
19 Schools & offices are closed. 26
WINTER RECESS
All schools are closed for Winter Recess, Dec. 20 - Jan. 3
20 Schools & offices are closed.27
WINTER RECESS
1 Schools closed, offices open. 2 Schools closed, offices open. 3
Glazed Breakfast Bar Cereal, Muf�in
Breakfast Pizza Cereal, Yogurt
Cinnamon Rolls Cereal, Bug Bite Grahams
Build-A-Pizza Italian Turkey Sub Cobb Salad w/Oatmeal Bar Sliced Cucmbers Apples
Spaghe� w/Meatballs Chicken Nuggets w/Sweet & Sour Yogurt Lunch Box w/Bagel Mixed Green Salad Applesauce
French Bread Cheese Pizza Gordita Taco Oriental Chicken Salad Carrots Fruit Ice
8/2 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination of all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s target center at 202-7202600 (voice and TDD).
9/3
10/4
Early Dismissal Schedule, Dec. 5: Apache, Canyon, Coyote Hills, Desert Harbor, Foothills, Fron�er, Ira A. Murphy, Ironwood High, Kachina, Lake Pleasant, Oakwood, Oasis, Parkridge, Paseo Verde, Peoria Tradi�onal School, Peoria Transi�on Center, Peoria High, Pioneer, Raymond S. Kellis High, Sundance, Vistancia and Zuni Hills only. Elementary schools that start at 8 a.m. will dismiss at 11 a.m.; elementary schools that start at 8:40 a.m. will dismiss at 11:40 a.m.; High schools will dismiss at 10:20 a.m.
Students Celebrate the Constitution in City of Peoria Art and Essay Contest The Peoria Uni�ied School District recognizes a number of top achievers in the 13th Annual City of Peoria Celebrate the Constitution
Grand prize winner Lauren Ney, senior at Sunrise Mountain High. Contest. Sunrise Mountain High senior Lauren Ney won the grand prize of a $1,500 college scholarship for her award-winning essay. Many Peoria Uni�ied students were recognized for their winning entries at the Peoria City Council meeting on Nov. 19, including: kindergarteners Marine Ingram of Paseo
Verde Elementary who took �irst place, Kayla DePue of Oasis Elementary who took second place and Joshua Mohr of Parkridge Elementary who placed third. Evelyn Valenzuela of Apache Elementary won �irst place in the �irst- and second-grade division and Xavier Gonzalez of Oasis Elementary placed second. In the third-fourth grade division, Gerardo Valenzuela of Apache Elementary earned �irst place, Ashley Valle from
Brooklynne Naylor, from Apache Elementary, took second-place in the fi�h-sixth grade division.
District Office Collection Site for Peoria Firefighters Toy Drive The Peoria Unified School District Administration Center will once again serve as a collection site during the Peoria Firefighters Charities (PFC) 19th annual toy drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate through Wed., Dec. 18, to the District Administration Center, 6330 W. Thunderbird Rd., during regular business hours. The toys will be distributed to children in our com-
Ira A. Murphy Elementary took second and third place went to Arezoo Sabir, from Cheyenne Elementary. All kindergarten through fourth-grade participants won for their description of “What does America mean to me?” In the �ifth through sixgrade division, Connor of Apache Stewart Elementary received �irst place for his award-winning essay. Brooklynne Naylor of Apache Elementary earned second place and Christopher Welsch of Coyote Hills Elementary won third place. In the seventh- through eighth-grade division, Maddie Levitte of OakElementary wood earned �irst place, Isabel Anchondo of Paseo Verde Elementary received second place and Natalie Van Auker of Oakwood Elementary achieved third place. In the ninth through 10thgrade and 11th through 12th grade divisions, Centennial High celebrates six essay
First-place winners from Apache Elementary: Evelyn Valenzuela, in the first-second grade division, Gerardo Valenzuela, in the third-fourth grade division and Connor Stewart, in the fi�h-sixth grade division. winners: sophomores Tyler Crump earned �irst place, Beth Dillard received second place and Toree Burgess achieved third place. While senior Lauren Ney received the grand prize in the 11th through 12thgrade division, Centennial High juniors Jacob Gibson, Xavier Tomlin and Gwen Shamley earned �irst, second and third place,
Second Annual Anti-Bullying Art & Video Contest Winners
munity during a holiday luncheon that will be held Dec. 22 at the Peoria Community Center. The 2012 PFC Toy Drive provided toys to 372 children and lunch for 128 families at the holiday party. Four boxes of toys and new clothes were sent to the fire station in Toms River, New Jersey to assist families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Recent graduates Mike Kistler, Cactus High and Brad Reynolds, Ironwood High, were each awarded a scholarship from the Peoria Firefighter Chari�es. Both students a�ended the Fire Science Program offered by Peoria Unified and are currently studying Fire Science in college. Since 2008, the Peoria Firefighter Chari�es have given more than $20,000 in scholarships to Peoria Unified graduates.
The winners of Peoria Unified’s An�-Bullying Art & Video Contest: Julianna Guevara, in second-grade at Alta Loma Elementary in the kindergarten- through second-grade category; Raeli Smith in thirdgrade at Alta Loma Elementary in the third- through fi�h-grade category; Lyndzi Ramos in sixth-grade at Foothills Elementary in the sixth- through eighth-grade category; and Timothy Litwiller, a senior at Centennial High, in the ninth- through twel�h-grade category. Also pictured Officer David Fernandez. The contest was sponsored by PF Changs China Bistro and the Peoria Police Officers Associa�on. Students were asked to develop a visual image, photo or video that best represents a general an�-bullying message for the theme: “The End of Bullying Begins with Me.” The district has zero tolerance when it comes to bullying and is vigilant in making sure students are safe.
respectively, for their essays. All �ifth-through-12th essayists answered the question, “Which of the Bill of Rights is most important in my daily life and why?” More than 220 posters and essays were submitted and depending on their placement, poster and essay winners received a $25 to $200 Target gift card.
Volunteers Needed to Read and Record Books Peoria Uni�ied seeks volunteers to help record books for students who are visually impaired. More than 300 books need to be converted into alternate formats and will be available to the students free of charge. The books that need recorded include those that are commonly used as part of the curriculum as well as high-interest books that are frequently requested by students to read and complete assignments. By creating audio formats of these widely used texts, students are able to listen and follow along, where they previously were unable to do so. Individuals interested in volunteering to record books should contact Mike Albert at malbert@ peoriaud.k12.az.us.
Good News In, About and Around Peoria Unified! H Cotton Boll Elementary and Raymond S. Kellis High schools were two of 30 Ariz. schools to win a grant in the Diamondbacks $150,000 School Challenge. They were chosen from more than 800 submissions from 88 cities and all 15 counties in the state.
The schools will be honored on the �ield at a Diamondbacks game next spring.
H Santa Fe Elementary eighth-grader CJ Casineri and �ifth-grader So�ia Baird are state �inalists in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest.
Ira A. Murphy Elementary second-grade teacher Marianne Newsom received a surprise visit from Doug Telgenhoff and Colleen Robin from Arrowhead Honda. The local car dealership has a Teacher Tab ini�a�ve which provides classroom supplies or money for outdoor classroom projects for teachers. Since Aug., Arrowhead Honda has awarded more than $7,000 in classroom supplies and funds for Peoria Unified educators: Jessica Slade, Alta Loma; Michelle Steigler, Kachina; Marianne Newsom, Ira A Murphy; Courtney Nelson, Canyon Leadership Academy; Rebecca Wilson, Sun Valley; Jeffrey Hicks, Peoria High; Terry Shamley, Centennial High; Alison Shinkle, Oakwood; Shelley Bates, Sky View/Marshall Ranch; and Diane Gordon, Apache. Thanks for your support, Arrowhead Honda!
The Copperwood Elementary campus has a desert tortoise habitat and outdoor environmental educa�on classroom thanks to the volunteers in ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. With funding from a Heritage grant, the campus projects earmarked include a mini-desert botanical garden, a pond and a nature play area for children.
Olga Fredericksen, third-grade teacher at Oasis Elementary, was recently presented a $25 gi� card from Horace Mann representa�ve Bryson Halse who sponsors WOW! Stories that are featured in the district’s weekly employee electronic communica�on bulle�n. Also pictured, Assistant Principal Stephen Balliet.
Vistancia Class Adopts Four Chimpanzees
Vistancia Elementary students in Amy Somerville’s fourth-grade class were moved to ac�on by an ar�cle they read in a Time for Kids magazine. They learned about Chimp Haven, a rescue group for chimpanzees who have been re�red from entertaining or medical research. Students wrote persuasive le�ers to family members seeking dona�ons. They were able to sponsor four chimpanzees with the dona�ons they raised.
Peoria Unified Research Specialist, Chris�an Williams, who serves as the district’s Trip Reduc�on Program Coordinator, won the Outstanding Marke�ng & Crea�vity Electronic Media Award in the Valley Metro Clean Air Campaign. To build interest in carpooling, Chris�an made a parody of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” but his version is called “Carpool Maybe.” Chris�an is a 2005 graduate of Peoria High.
You can submit a WOW! Story for a Peoria Unified teacher or staff member who impressed you. You will be notified if your WOW! Story is selected for publication. Submit a WOW! Story at www.peoriaud.k12.az.us in the Public Relations page.
Pesticide Application Notification
Peoria Uni�ied is required to provide written noti�ication at least 48 hours prior to the application of pesticides at any school or site. Pesticides are applied in the late afternoon, after students are dismissed. Dec. 2 Pioneer, Sahuaro Ranch Dec. 3 Oakwood, Peoria Elementary, Santa Fe Dec. 4 Sundance, Sun Valley Dec. 5 Cotton Boll, Frontier, Parkridge, Sunrise Mountain, Zuni Hills Dec. 6 Canyon, Copperwood, Marshall Ranch Dec. 9 Cactus, Desert Valley, Foothills, Ironwood Dec. 10 Centennial, Oasis Dec. 11 Ira A. Murphy, Peoria High Dec. 12 Alta Loma, Apache, Cheyenne Dec. 13 Desert Palms, Heritage, Kachina, Paseo Verde Dec. 20 Country Meadows, Desert Harbor, Raymond S. Kellis Dec. 24 Coyote Hills, Lake Pleasant, Liberty Dec. 25 Sky View Dec. 27 Vistancia Jan. 1 Sundance, Sun Valley Jan. 2 Cotton Boll, Frontier, Parkridge, Sunrise Mountain, Zuni Hills Jan. 3 Canyon, Copperwood, Marshall Ranch Jan. 6 Pioneer, Sahuaro Ranch Jan. 7 Oakwood, Peoria Elementary, Santa Fe Jan. 8 Ira A. Murphy, Peoria High Jan. 9 Alta Loma, Apache, Cheyenne Jan. 10 Desert Palms, Heritage, Kachina, Paseo Verde